Migrant Population For Remote Voting

Subject – Polity

Context – Poll commission plans to map migrant population for remote voting

Concept –

The Election Commission plans to start mapping the population of migrant workers across the country to prepare a roadmap for the introduction of remote voting.
The EC has been working with IIT-Madras on using Blockchain technology for remote voting.

Remote Voting

Remote voting refers to a mechanism that allows electors to vote from locations other than polling stations assigned to their registered constituencies either within the country or even abroad as the Election Commission focusses on the importance of “inclusiveness” in elections.
With lakhs of voters unable to exercise their franchise on account of geographical barrier due to different reasons, remote voting aims to bridge that gap.
It will remove the compulsion on voting only at the domicile polling station. (As the voter is registered in his domicile).

Possible Working–

A blockchain remote voting process would involve voter identification and authorisation using a multi-layered IT enabled system (with the help of biometrics and web cameras) at the venue.
After a voter’s identity is established by the system, a blockchain enabled personalised e-ballot paper (Smart Contract) will be generated.
When the vote is cast (Smart Contract executed), the ballot would be securely encrypted and a block chain hashtag (#) will be generated. This hashtag notification would be sent to various stakeholders i.e. the candidates and political parties.